Olympus XZ-10 vs Sony A58

In this article, we will be comparing the Olympus XZ-10 and Sony A58, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There is a crucial difference among the sensor resolutions of the XZ-10 (12MP) and A58 (20MP) and the XZ-10 (1/2.3") and A58 (APS-C) feature different sensor sizes.

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The XZ-10 was revealed 10 months before the A58 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus XZ-10 being a Compact camera and the Sony A58 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a more detailed comparison, below is a concise summation of how the XZ-10 scores vs the A58 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus XZ-10 and Sony SLT-A58. The full galleries are available at Olympus XZ-10 Gallery and Sony A58 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus XZ-10 provides exterior measurements of 102mm x 61mm x 34mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs) whilst the Sony A58 has sizing of 129mm x 95mm x 78mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 3.1") along with a weight of 492 grams (1.08 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus XZ-10 and Sony A58 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the XZ-10 compared to the A58.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-10 and A58 is 91 and 68 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to picture the contrast in sensor measurements simply by researching technical specs. The photograph below may give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the XZ-10 and A58.

As you have seen, both of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The XZ-10 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more challenging and the Sony A58 will render extra detail because of its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older XZ-10 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.